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Camco 09-0281 RV Gas Pilot Assembly for Atwood Water Heaters 9-Inch Replacement

Camco 09-0281 9-inch gas pilot assembly direct replacement for Atwood RV water heaters, shown with included hardware
Camco RV Gas Pilot Assembly For Atwood Water Heaters - 9"
 
List Price: $60.99
: $45.99
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Part Number: 08773
Manufacturer: Camco

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CamcoPart 09-0281Atwood ReplacementCamco 9-Inch Gas Pilot Assembly for Atwood RV Water Heaters

When your Atwood RV water heater pilot goes out and won't stay lit, the fix is usually a worn or failed pilot assembly. Camco's 09-0281 is engineered as a direct factory-equivalent replacement, so you get reliable re-ignition without improvising or adapting generic parts.

Direct-Fit Pilot Replacement -- No Guesswork Required

The Camco 09-0281 gas pilot assembly is purpose-built for Atwood RV propane water heaters. At 9 inches in length, it matches the factory pilot tube geometry so the thermocouple tip seats correctly in the pilot flame and the pilot orifice aligns with the burner hood -- no bending, no shimming, no adapters.

This is a common maintenance item for RVs that see heavy seasonal use or have been sitting in storage. A weak or corroded pilot assembly is one of the most frequent causes of water heater ignition failure, and replacing the full assembly rather than just the thermocouple is the right call when the unit has several years of service behind it.

Direct Atwood Fit

Designed specifically for Atwood propane water heater models. Replaces the OEM pilot assembly without modification.

9-Inch Pilot Tube

Factory-length 9-inch assembly ensures correct thermocouple positioning in the pilot flame for reliable flame sensing.

Complete Assembly

Includes the full gas pilot assembly -- pilot tube, orifice, and thermocouple -- so you replace everything at once.

Instructions Included

Step-by-step installation instructions are packaged with the assembly, supporting a confident DIY replacement.

What Comes in the Box

  • 1x Camco 09-0281 gas pilot assembly (9-inch)
  • Step-by-step installation instructions
Full Assembly Replacement: Replacing the complete pilot assembly -- rather than just the thermocouple -- eliminates multiple potential failure points in a single service visit. This is especially worthwhile on older Atwood units where the orifice screen may also be clogged with debris.

Common Symptoms This Part Fixes

  • Pilot will not light or stay lit
  • Thermocouple reads no millivoltage output
  • Pilot flame is weak, yellow, or unsteady
  • Corrosion or physical damage visible on existing pilot assembly
  • Water heater ignites intermittently or shuts off shortly after lighting
Compatibility Note: This assembly is designed for Atwood (now Dometic) propane RV water heaters. Atwood water heaters used a distinct burner tray and pilot configuration that differs from Suburban models. Confirm your unit is an Atwood before ordering. Model and serial number are typically on a label inside the exterior water heater access door.

Installation Overview

Pilot assembly replacement is a task most handy RV owners can handle with basic tools. The general process involves shutting off the propane supply, removing the exterior access panel, disconnecting the old thermocouple lead and pilot gas line, unbolting the pilot bracket, and reversing the steps with the new assembly. Always leak-test connections with soapy water after reassembly before relighting.

Propane Work -- Safety First: Always shut off the LP supply at the tank before disconnecting any gas fittings. Ventilate the compartment and confirm with a leak detector or soapy water solution before relighting. If you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, have a qualified RV technician perform this repair.
Maintenance Tip: While the access panel is off, inspect the burner tube for spider webs and debris -- a common cause of ignition trouble that mimics a bad pilot. Clean the burner orifice with compressed air and check the anode rod if your model uses one.

Part Identification

ManufacturerCamco
Part Number09-0281
UPC014717087735
Also Referenced AsCamco 08773

Physical Specifications

Pilot Tube Length9 inches
Weight0.23 lbs

Compatibility

Appliance TypePropane RV water heater
OEM BrandAtwood (now Dometic)
Fuel TypeLP (propane)
ApplicationRecreational vehicles (RV), travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes

Package Contents

Included1x gas pilot assembly (9-inch)
DocumentationStep-by-step installation instructions
Adapters IncludedNo -- direct fit for Atwood heaters
Important Information
  • This pilot assembly is designed for Atwood propane water heaters only -- it is NOT compatible with Suburban water heaters or electric-only units.
  • Shut off LP supply at the tank and allow the system to depressurize before disconnecting any fittings.
  • Always perform a soap-bubble leak test on all reconnected gas fittings before relighting the appliance.
  • If the burner or gas valve is also suspected to be faulty, diagnose those components separately -- this part addresses the pilot assembly only.
  • Not intended for high-altitude modifications or commercial gas appliance use.


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